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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Tuesday, 5 Nov 2002

Vol. 556 No. 3

Written Answers. - Cystic Fibrosis Services.

Tony Killeen

Ceist:

527 Mr. Killeen asked the Minister for Health and Children the services, medical and surgical, which have been identified as required for the treatment of cystic fibrosis; his plans to provide necessary treatments; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [20059/02]

The availability of a lung transplantation service has been identified as a key priority for persons with cystic fibrosis. The Government is committed to supporting the development of such a programme in this country. The Mater Hospital has been designated as the surgical site for this service in conjunction with St. Vincent's University Hospital, which is the designated centre for the treatment of adults with cystic fibrosis.

Considerable preparatory work has already been completed in relation to the programme. The building of a lung transplant facility at the Mater Hospital forms part of a major capital development approved for the hospital. Revenue funding in excess of €3 million has been provided to support the enhancement of lung transplant services for Irish patients, including the appointment of key transplant personnel to this new programme. The additional resource requirements for the programme are being progressed in the context of the 2003 estimates process.

Pending the establishment of lung transplantation in this country, an agreement is in place with the Freeman Hospital in the UK for the treatment of Irish patients. To date, 24 patients from this country have received a transplant at the Freeman Hospital under the agreement. This contract will continue while the necessary arrangements are being progressed in terms of establishing the programme in Ireland.
As regards the provision of services to persons with cystic fibrosis at local level, my Department has requested the regional chief executive of the Eastern Regional Health Authority and the chief executive officers of the health boards to investigate the position and to respond directly to the Deputy.
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